IT Management Certification for IT Leaders

You have worked hard through the ranks to get to a managerial position. You did so in an unconventional and ever-changing industry such as IT. That is no small feat. You would like to adequately execute your new role in leadership and you feel a certification course could be the first step in that direction. You are not entirely sure where to start because you want a managerial course that does not steer too far from IT itself. You also want a course that will not be too technical; one that will equip you with crucial ‘soft’ skills, so crucial in leadership.

If this describes you, then read on. I have a few options for you.

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

This is an easy entry-level course for beginners. Curated by the Project Management Institute, CAPM is designed to equip leaders across the board with leadership skills, especially as it revolves around teams and projects. As an IT Manager, your primary role is not only overseeing and managing IT infrastructure, but also the teams working on the infrastructure. CAPM certification will allow you to demonstrate your ability to manage a product and service line from the beginning to end, while managing your team in the interim.

This certification will cost $300 for non-members of PMI and $225 for members. It expires every five years, so be keen to renew your subscription.

Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Who does’t want to be considered a Master? This certification from the Scrum Alliance equips IT managers, especially those in charge of Scrum teams, with skills in adequately leading and directing them. A Scrum Master is responsible for limiting distractions within and without his/her team and ensuring that projects are efficiently executed and completed within a stipulated timeline. CSM is the efficient certification for those whose skills can be utilized outside Scrum Teams. The certification affords you a two-year membership with the Scrum Alliance as well as giving you exclusive access to networks with other Scrum Masters; inevitably increasing your knowledge and expanding your career prospects. And moreover, acquiring this certification is free.

Certified in Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)

I know. Even I got lost in that long name. And yes, the course is just as complicated and demanding as the name suggests. Once you have been certified as a CGEIT, you will be competent in dealing with any threats to security and handle yourself impeccably in all matters of IT governance. In the same breath, you will also lead your teams as effectively and efficiently. To qualify, you will be required to possess at least 5 years’ experience in IT governance, as well as adequate work experience. Exam fee ranges from $400 to $600 and you will be required to renew your membership every 3 years. It will be a tough process, but not only will you be a better manager and professional for it, but you will also command one of the highest salaries in the IT industry. Not only will you be a trusted leader, you will also be one of the best-paid ones too.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Security is a top priority in any organization. Top management is always looking for ways to enforce their security measures and ensure that all breaches are stopped even before they begin. CISSP certificate equips you with knowledge and competencies around security and information assurance. You will lead your teams in ensuring that you stay on top of all security matters. Moreover, you will also be equipped with knowledge on top level issues such as managing risk, handling organizational structure and budgeting. You will also be very adept in handling your teams, both on-site and remote areas, through effective communication around executing and delivering on complex projects for your firm.

This certification will cost $699 and is renewable every three years. A small price to pay for elite skills in both IT and leadership, don’t you think?

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

This is perhaps the most management-oriented course suited for IT managers. PMI-ACP, provided by the Project Management Institute, enables its candidates to build and lead an agile team. Agility is imperative for any company, especially, in IT because of the rapid changes that are the norm. If your organization cannot be responsive to the environment they operate in, they cannot adapt in good time. This can spell doom in any given field, thus an IT manager skilled in PMI-ACP can help their company stay ahead of the curve. The beauty of this certification is that it spans Scrum, Kanban, Extreme Programming, Lean systems and test-driven development (TDD). Therefore, if you are experienced in one of these fields, PMP-ACP certification will expose you to the rest, thus exponentially increasing your knowledge and career prospects.

To qualify for this course, one must possess 2000 hours of project management experience or a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. An additional 1500 hours working with or in agile teams is a requirement as well. The exam will cots PMI members $435 and $495 will be for non-members. Sounds steep in terms of requirements and fees, but the certification will pay for itself in salary increases and larger job opportunities. Do yourself a favor and jump in this bandwagon. Your career will pay you back.

Conclusion

The mere fact that you are thinking of honing your managerial skills already speaks volumes about the kind of manager you will become. You worked very hard to get to where you are now, and any one of these courses outlined above will set you apart from your peers. Not only will you ensure that your skill set and career growth is on course, but you will also prove to be an invaluable asset to your company and the teams you are in charge of. Be an authority and top professional with PMP certification. Wish you all the best!